Radiation and Revolution

Sabu Kohso's book Radiation and Revolution examines the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, arguing that it represents the epitome of the capitalist-state mode of development that continues to devastate the planet's environment. He demonstrates how the disaster's victims lived experiences, the Japanese government's insistence on nuclear power, and the future of a radioactive planet driven by nuclearized capitalism. Kohso argues that the abolition of nuclear energy and weaponry is imperative for those who aspire to a world free from domination by capitalist nation-states.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2020
Publisher: Duke University Press

Political theorist and anti-capitalist activist Sabu Kohso delves into the intricate relationship between nuclear power, capitalism, and the nation-state in his book Radiation and Revolution. Through a combination of activist passion and theoretical rigor, Kohso explores how the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster serves as a poignant illustration of the profound connections between these three entities. He argues that the disaster is not merely a significant event in postwar Japan but rather a symbol of the capitalist-state mode of development that has wreaked havoc on the planet's environment.

Throughout the book, Kohso vividly captures the lived experiences of the disaster's victims, shedding light on the human toll of nuclear power. He also demonstrates how the Japanese government's unwavering commitment to nuclear power aligns with the constitution of its regime, influenced by US global strategy. Moreover, he considers the future of a radioactive planet driven by nuclearized capitalism, raising important questions about the sustainability and morality of such a system.

Kohso's analysis reveals that nuclear power has transcended its role as a mere source of energy and has become the organizing principle of the global order. He argues that it is the most effective means of accumulating profit and governing the populace simultaneously. For those who aspire to a world free from the dominance of capitalist nation-states, Kohso advocates for the abolition of nuclear energy and weaponry as a crucial step toward achieving that goal.

In conclusion, Radiation and Revolution offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between nuclear power, capitalism, and the nation-state. Through his insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, Kohso provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of our planet and the urgent need for a sustainable and equitable world.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478011002